Robotic cholecystectomy surgery has traditionally been performed through four incisions (the umbilicus, under the breast and two under the rib cage) using a multi-port technique. With the multi-port technique, surgeons had to go through the abdominal wall and muscle, causing more trauma.

First in the Northland

“To be the first hospital in the Northland to offer this technologically-advanced surgery is exciting,” says Dr. McGregor. “There are more than 1 million people in the U.S. who need a cholecystectomy each year.”

Dr. McGregor removes the gallbladder with a single incision in the umbilicus. Sitting at the robotic console, he is able to perform the operation while looking through a 3D, high definition system that magnifies the images inside the body. The da Vinci System is able to interpret Dr. McGregor’s hand, wrist and finger movements to move small instruments in the abdomen. His surgical team remains at the patient’s bedside during the procedure.

“The main advantage is better visualization with the robot,” Dr. McGregor says. “The camera’s magnification brings the view of the patient’s anatomy closer. The robot allows for finer movements than what a natural hand and wrist can do.”

Benefits

Dr. McGregor says single-site robotic surgery appeals to younger patients and those who might be more conscious of scarring afterward. Sending patients to North Kansas City Hospital for single-site cholecystectomy surgery has advantages over a traditional multi-port operation.

It is suitable for most patients.

Patients realize a low rate of complications.

Outcomes include lower rates of wound infection.

It results in less blood loss.

The surgery can be performed in approximately an hour, and patients typically go home the same day with normal recovery of one week. In follow-up visits with Dr. McGregor, patients report having less pain, using less pain medication and appreciate having only one incision, he says.

Other conditions which may be treated robotically at the Hospital include urological, gynecological, colorectal, infertility, gastrointestinal conditions, including:

prostatectomy

nephrectomy

hysterectomy

hiatal hernia

anti-reflux surgery

Patrick McGregor, MD

Dr. McGregor earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and completed his residency in general surgery at Creighton University Medical Center. He practices general and trauma surgery with a focus on advanced laparoscopic procedures, endocrine and breast surgeries.